On the way home from SPIEL in Essen, we stopped in Lübeck while waiting for the ferry to Sweden. Lübeck was a prominent member of the Hanseatic League. The scenic inner city is a UNESCO Heritage site and well worth a visit. Especially if you like marzipan and churches.
Built between two rivers, Lübeck was well defended and easily accessible by ship who could sail up the river Trave and berth at quays all around the city. Today ferries depart from Travemünde at the mouth of the river Trave closer to the Baltic Sea and cargo drives by on trucks.
The fortifications that once kept intruders out are now parking lots that will bring you conveniently close to the inner city to explore by foot. The impressive Holstentor, a twin tower city gate today tells the story of the city. The cosy pedestrian street will take you between the church spires and city hall dating back centuries. Cafes and marzipan shops ensure you will not leave hungry or lacking presents.
St. Mary's Church with twin spires and high arched ceiling offered a moment of reflection and solitude as I quietly explored the interior. In a corner chapel, broken church bells from a WWII air raid reminds us what destruction humans also are capable of.
We visited Lübeck first time ten years ago for the Christmas markets. The kids were too small to remember, but my wife and I had fond memories to refresh of exploring the bustling markets with two toddlers.
Time did not permit us to explore all we wanted this time either, leaving us with an excuse to come back again another day.
